The Government and World Vision International Lao PDR: Sustainable Forest Management for Environmental and Community Well-being in Mai District, Phongsaly Province.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment, along with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, signed a new project MoU and held a project startup meeting with World Vision for sustainable forest management for environmental and community well-being in Mai District, Phongsaly Province, with the financial support of World Vision International Korea.

Mr. Thong Alee, the Director of the Phongsaly Provincial Agriculture and Environment (left), and Ms. Edelweiss Silan, the National Director of World Vision International Lao PDR (right), signed the Forestry Restoration and Protection Project Memorandum of Understanding, which was held at the Phongsaly Provincial Agriculture and Environment Conference Hall. 

Vientiane, 16th of October 2025

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, along with the Department of Agriculture and Environment in Phongsaly Province, is taking a significant step towards sustainable forest management for environmental and community well-being in Mai District, Phongsaly Province. They have signed the Forest Restoration and Protection Project’s Memorandum of Understanding with World Vision International Lao PDR, with support from World Vision International Korea. 

This collaborative effort aims to enhance farmers’ capacity for land restoration and sustainable, climate-smart agroforestry practices; expand income-generating opportunities—particularly for vulnerable households; and establish effective partnerships, coordination frameworks, and monitoring mechanisms with government counterparts and other stakeholders.

The project will lay the foundation for transformative agricultural practices by supporting farmers and communities through training and implementation of the “Participatory Forest and Agriculture Land Use Plan and Management (PFALUPAM)” at the village level; delivering trainings on forest restoration and climate-resilient forest agriculture practices; establishing farmer groups; promoting farmer-to-farmer knowledge-sharing organizations; and conducting awareness campaigns among target communities on the negative impacts of deforestation and the importance of climate-resilient agroforestry techniques.

This project will be implemented in 10 target villages, such as Ompalong, Chamchewmai, Chomchewkao, Naboua, Nampa, Poungkhao, Omkaneng, Houyphouk, Houykang, and Bouamphan in Mai District, Phongsaly Province, and will support a total population of 2,139 people with a budget of USD$175,000 until September 2026.

“World Vision is committed to children's well-being—and that demands giving attention to protecting and restoring the environment where still possible. A healthy planet is essential for children’s health, safety, and well-being today and in the future. Thus, environmental sustainability and climate action are among the global priorities of World Vision. We work with governments, communities, and children to restore forests, safeguard nature, and take action against global warming,” said Ms. Edelweiss Silan, National Director of World Vision International Lao PDR.

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